TRY A SLEEPER: CHANCES ARE GOOD FOR A TROPHY BASS

Whether you like fishing under the warm summer sun or the brisk temperatures of winter, we all hope to catch a trophy fish. While chasing the dream of a prize winning bass, fishermen will visit all the popular bodies of water that hold a reputation for large fish. To increase your chances of landing your award winning fish, refuse to limit your fishing to only those ponds that are known for big fish.

The following bodies of water are small, often overlooked and hold a reputation for being "sleepers". They are not generally know for their trophy sized fish but each season persistent anglers hook into and land impressive bass. Sleepers are generally known only to the locals. When fishing them you must be aware of your surroundings, the residential flair of the area, limited parking and the need to respect the surroundings. By following these simple rules, fishermen will help to insure that productive waters will remain open for all of us to enjoy.

On the North Shore, we have a few sleepers that are worth mentioning. Some of the ponds are so small that it is best to stop by the local tackle shop for directions for the general and wide-spread release of information will jeopardize the access to these small bodies of water.

FLAX POND: The first sleeper that we will discuss is Flax Pond, a 71 acre body of water located in the heart of Lynn and close to Sluice Pond. Flax is overlooked by most anglers because of it’s city setting. The general feeling among fishermen is that it is over fished thus lacking in any quality bass. This is far from the reality. The heaviest pressure that the pond receives is from the local kids and each season trophy bass are caught, mostly by accident. Access is good with numerous locations that car-toppers and canoes can be launched. However, there are no boat ramps for trailered boats. There is no dedicated parking for the pond and cars must park on the street which can sometimes present problems, especially on weekends. Plastic worms, jigs and jig n’ pig combinations provide exceptional results during the warm months but don’t overlook inflated night crawlers after dark. Inflating the tail of a crawler and letting it drift on the surface can be a deadly technique for drawing trophy bass. Winter anglers make use of the largest shiners available. Flax Pond has an average depth of 14 feet and a maximum of 29 feet. The bottom is covered with sand and rubble. Aquatic vegetation is common.

PILLINGS POND: The next pond on my list of sleepers ponds is located in Lynnfield. This pond is larger than Flax Pond and is located just south of Lynnfield Center. It is a shallow pond that was dredged a few years ago. Aquatic vegetation is abundant and access is limited to the small town park located on Summer Street.  Boats are limited to car-toppers and canoes that can be carried across the park. Parking is a problem but the inconvenience is worth the fishing results. Shore fishermen do well from the park. Try night crawlers and shiners, especially if you are a beginner. The bottom has changed since the dredging but hasn’t disrupted the fishing. Aquatic vegetation is abundant and provides predators with plenty of ambush cover. Two and three pounders are caught regularly with good numbers of five and six pounders. The potential for even larger fish is there. Water color is tea stained so lighter colored artificial baits generally work best. Plastic worms, jigs, jig n’ pigs, soft plastic lures and plastic frogs are favored by most fishermen. Even though artificials are popular, there is nothing like a shiner for attracting large bass. Seasoned anglers choose the largest shiner that they can find for presentation in Pillings. On many occasions I have seen snapping turtles up to thirty plus pounds take fishermen’s offerings. They add a touch of excitement to a day of fishing.

LEGGS HILL POND: Located in Salem this pond is located in a highly developed neighborhood. Access is gained from Leggs Hill Road located just off Loring Ave. The pond can be fished from shore through the middle of summer when aquatic vegetation makes it very difficult to fish. Even though the vegetation is thick and makes fishing difficult, persistent anglers use the vegetation to their advantage. Leggs Hill is divided into two sections. There is a shallow section and a deep section with a distinct channel running in between. Most anglers make use of soft plastic baits that are easily worked in the heaviest of vegetation. Spinnerbaits have their time before the salad thickens and shiners attract the usual large individual fish. Not only can you catch a five pound bass but pickerel fishing is exceptional. I have seen pickerel up to six pounds landed. Carp enthusiasts can stand on top of the hill and observe a pair of bruisers that weigh between 30 and 40 pounds.

IN BEVERLY: Located in Beverly are Norwood and Beaver Ponds. Norwood Pond is located behind the North Shore Music Theater just off Rt. 128. Beaver Pond is off Beaver Pond Rd. Both of these ponds are definite sleepers that give up trophies each season. They are fished heavily during the winter but are almost totally forgotten about during the summer. Shiners work well in both ponds as do the usual soft plastic baits.

Many more small ponds exist here but can’t be revealed over the Internet. One of the best sources for information regarding sleeper ponds is the guy standing behind the counter at the local tackle shop. He is willing to help you with information about sleeper ponds. What you have read in this article is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want a crack at a six pound plus largemouth, try a sleeper.